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The renowned publisher has welcomed Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at 31st Union, which is currently crafting the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Lukewarm Response

Brinkman takes on the role of studio head at the development studio following the dismissal of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming initial reveal last autumn.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer updated employees about this strategic move through an official communication, which stressed that playtesting had indicated the need for a distinct direction.

Ismailer stated that the developers is now refining the project with a refreshed vision, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Key Recruitment

This announcement echoes a similar action taken by 2K Games in August, when they recruited an industry veteran from the Diablo team to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the full text from the president's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just finished your town hall - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the recent updates. Last time I sent you all a message, I expressed the following: “I believe in this crew. You all are some of the most dedicated and creative designers we have had the pleasure to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that collaboration to persist.”

Given your hard work and versatility, especially over the last year, you consistently demonstrate that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s the game playtest was revealing. It affirmed the promise of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the necessity for a more distinct brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You embraced the feedback to heart and overhauled the title with a refreshed direction - one that’s positioned to achieve its promise to our audience.

Our confidence in Project ETHOS strengthens every day. To advance the incredible advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to announce the new hire as the incoming Lead of 31st Union. After a period of conversations, he officially joins us on Monday, October 20.

Ben’s guidance and background in the PVP shooter genre is vast, having dedicated the recent years creating and leading some of the most well-known franchises in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and more recently, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him in the coming days. We are all eager to continue seeing the development of the game in the time to follow.

David

Background of the Incoming Leader

The appointee presently serves in the role of executive producer and head of production at Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends. Brinkman previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise series, and, prior to that, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Game Details and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 in conjunction with a community playtest. At the time, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective action-packed experience and an exciting advancement on the genre."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to match your preferred approach," the game's pitch reads. "Face the opponents with new abilities, challenges, and obstacles that change every session. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Or go big, gamble everything, and trust your squad can achieve the highest spot? The option is up to you."

The game has not yet received an confirmed release date or platforms, but fans can look forward to further news as development continues.